King Seeley Thermos Man From U.N.C.L.E lunchbox

The King Seeley Thermos Man From U.N.C.L.E lunchbox is a vintage lunchbox based on the 1960s U.S television show ‘The Man From U.N.C.L.E’.

Background

‘The Man From U.N.C.L.E’ was a successful U.S television show featuring the adventures of two secret agents – an American, Napoleon Solo (played by Robert Vaughn) and a Russian, Ilya Kuryakin (played by David McCallum). The agents work together for the fictional agency U.N.C.L.E, fighting against agents from the evil organization T.H.R.U.S.H.

The show ran from 1964 until 1968, comprising 4 seasons and 105 episodes. Its popularity led to a spin-off series (The Girl From U.N.C.L.E), a number of feature films (extended episodes shown in colour in cinemas), novels, comic books and other merchandise. This includes the lunchbox produced in 1966 by King Seeley Thermos.

The King Seeley Thermos Man From U.N.C.L.E lunchbox

The box is yellow, with images of the main characters on the front, back and sides. The front of the box features Napoleon Solo punching an enemy agent dressed in scuba gear, whilst Ilya Kuryakin stands behind him holding a pistol. The reverse shows the pair in a red convertible sports car, crashing through a barrier whilst being chased by enemy agents.

The sides feature images of Solo and Kuryakin, with a picture of both of them alongside their boss Alexander Waverly on the bottom.

The lunchbox also came with a thermos flask, featuring the same artwork as the front of the box.

How much is a King Seeley Thermos Man From U.N.C.L.E lunchbox worth?

The show’s enduring legacy and iconic characters mean that vintage ‘Man From U.N.C.L.E’ memorabilia is highly sought after today by collectors.

Boxes in top condition with their thermos flasks intact have been known to sell for up to $150 on sites such as eBay, with used boxes selling for approximately $35 - $70 depending on their condition.